Do you remember when folks used to drop in?
A close friend (I was in her home visiting one afternoon last week) texted me about 5:00 yesterday evening and asked if we'd like some company. I quickly checked with my husband then texted YES! Were we ready for company? No. The house wasn't company perfect. Were we ready to share an evening in spontaneous hospitality? Yes. A friend loveth at all times!
I had put a small pot of ham and beans on (only 1 lb), but I told her we'd make a big pan of cornbread and asked her family to have supper with us. She offered to bring dessert. She brought cheese and bread for grilled cheese, too. Super meal stretcher! Soon, we had four more at our table for the evening. Then, my daughter came home, and her friend and her mama stayed to visit, too. We had a houseful when we thought we'd be having a quiet evening. It was great fun.
I loved the spontaneity of it. It reminded me of my childhood when friends and family were always welcome. If company came around dinner time, we'd just stretch whatever we had (put another bean in the pot so to speak). I miss that.
I want to try to start having folks over more often. They know I've been going through these cancer treatments. They're not going to judge my housekeeping.
Did folks just drop in for a visit when you were growing up? Do they still do that where you live?
Blessed,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
P.S. When I searched on-line for a photo of beans, nearly every free photo available was of coffee beans! What does that say about they way Americans live these days?
I’m so glad you are feeling well enough to hostess like this.
ReplyDeleteAbout your photo search, it says we think about coffee beans a lot more than nutritious beans. Well not me, I don’t drink coffee, and my husband drinks a big cup every morning but he can and sometimes does do without it.
I think you're right Rhonda. As to feeling well enough, I just can't wait until I feel good. These friends are the best, I wanted to be with them. ~smile~
DeleteGod bless you!
Laura
I remember living with my grandparents in the 60s, many times folks would drop by to visit and end up staying for supper. When my family lived in the mountains of Oklahoma, if someone dropped by to talk when I was fixing supper, when the food was ready I would walk outside and tell the Redneck to 'run him off or invite him in--either way food's on the table now'! We fed a lot of folks.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
DeleteGod bless you Evelyn,
Laura
Ever see Oh Brother Where Art Thou? Imagine those guys knocking on the back door and asking if they could please do some chores in exchange for food. My grandmother would have them take care of chores and cook them food. My grandfather would walk to the sheriff's and let them know where they could pick them up AFTER they had finished working, had a good meal and got to visit a while! The prisoners always thanked my grandparents for a nice time when they were rounded up to go back to jail. We always told them thanks for coming over, and to come back when they got out.
DeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this post!!!
I can just imagine how cozy it was with you and your friends preparing and sharing dinner together in your home.
Those are the very best kinds of friends...
The ones that can walk into your house when it might not be "picture perfect"...And not even notice....just sit right down or start working in your kitchen. Have a lovely week, sweet friend.
Oh, I agree. Joyce has been my friend for over twenty years now. Our children have grown up together. Our husbands are good friends, too. It's been a privilege to live life together.
DeleteI love this post! My mom is very hospitable and friendly. We often had family and friends over for meals when I was growing up, most of the time it was simple food. I love the idea of beans and cornbread. My husband and I were just watching James Townsend on Youtube. In one segment he made colonial baked beans with molasses and they looked so delicious! I am definitely in the mood for baked beans now. : )
ReplyDeleteOh that does sound good Sarah. We once visited a new church. A family invited us over for lunch and served beans and cornbread. They appeared to be a poor family, but they were full of the love of Christ and unapologetic about their hospitality. We loved it...and joined the church!
DeleteLaura
I miss those times. We have not been doing as much getting together since my husband's brain injury. I grew up in a house that always had an open door and still does and my Mom always said to just add another place to the table and there would be plenty and it has always been true in our home, too. I struggle now with what we should do when my husband has had enough of others and needs them to go. He can just say he has to go upstairs but that has been really awkward.
ReplyDeleteDear Lana,
DeleteIt was a wonderful way to grow up. Since I've been going through my health issue, I've sometimes just had to be honest and tell folks that I'm getting tired. I even left church a bit early today. It may seem awkward, but I would explain when you invite guests that it will need to be a short evening. Perhaps the two of you can talk ahead of time and decide on what you want to say to draw the evening to a close, or perhaps set an early ending time when you make the invitation. Just a little bit of me getting in your business with some friendly suggestions.
God bless!
Laura
Oh how wonderful you got to enjoy the company of your friend and her family.. The pot of beans and cheese toast sounds great.
ReplyDeleteYes, We use to have company just drop in.. and now.. no one does it anymore..[wonder do I and others , discourage it..??? sad isn't it?]
Hope your feeling much better..Hugs.
I asked a friend a few weeks ago if she was a drop in and see me kind of gal.
DeleteShe said yes. A week or two ago, she got after me since I've not dropped in
yet! I've got to make time next time I go to her town.
My mom never entertained and would have extreme anxiety about taking a dish to church for a potluck dinner. We don't entertain very often, but I dream of being 'that' woman that can just invite anyone in at the spur of the moment and whip up something good. We had humble beans for lunch yesterday too. I had baked sweet potatoes and cornbread. I used the ham bone we had saved from Easter. They were SO good!!!!
ReplyDeleteWell Miss Penny, the best way to be hospitable is to start. ~smile~ Don't worry about entertaining. Start with a good friend so that you can relax. Keep it simple. If you're relaxed, they will relax.
DeleteBe blessed,
Laura
Such an uplifting post, always a joy to share a meal with friends and be at ease.
ReplyDeleteSo true and so rare these days!
DeleteI have often thought back on the days when people were always dropping by. I miss that! My family and my husband's family always gathered extra people and yes...it was frequently beans on the table. We love pinto beans! They are soul food to us.
ReplyDeleteYep, grew up in that mode and my mom was good at stretching meals too. The best memory I had here at the farm was when it was chicken processing day and friends from all over came to help...some with experience, some with none. The end results were a great barbeque of chicken of course and lots of sides and lots of laughter. Not so fun for the chickens,but filled the freezers and friends tummies as well. Have a great day and continue to gain your strength back. Love to all of you,
ReplyDeleteTrudy.
I do remember those days. Life was less formal and more welcoming and comfortable. I remember going to loads of pot-lucks when I was a kid . . . it was just something my folks and their friends did all the time :) I do think that we worry too much about how our homes look . . . it seems like no one drops by when everything is perfect, they seem to wait until there is a mess or two, LOL. We have to remember that it is this way with all of us . . . and just enjoy each other's company.
ReplyDeleteI loved your little story and I know you had a wonderful evening that you may have missed if you where not so open to friendship and hospitality :)
God bless you.
Connie :)
I love this! This is totally my heart. For me, the quick thing to throw together is spaghetti and marinara sauce. I pretty much always have those things in the pantry, and with a loaf of bread and a quick salad, I can easily have a meal to share. I think the most important thing to remember is that sharing a meal with others is not about the meal---it's about the connection around the table. And connection can be made with a pot of beans or a can of tomato soup.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Patti
You're so right, Patti. Beans are good food and they were already in the pot!
DeleteI love beans and corn bread. The nicest meals are not planned but thrown together with good company and love.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I actually had the beans simmering on the stove already, but I would have planned it that way, too. The best company isn't fussy about what is eaten but who is sharing the meal.
DeleteGod bless!
Laura
YES, I remember those days gone by when people were not too busy to stop and chat and drop in for fellowship. We live in a different time, but if we all put forth the effort, we can create that kind of loving hospitality again. :) I have found that God seems to multiply our resources when He sees we want to bless others, too! He is so faithful!
ReplyDeleteLast night, my family was scattered and I was alone with my little dog. I decided to go get a sandwich, take her with me, and go sit by the river for a bit. While I was waiting for my sandwich and getting gas, I was friendly to all those around me. Some responded. Some didn't. I thought about how, in a way, I've made my own little friendly world. I've done it by disconnecting the television ten years ago, not buying into current culture, pressing into God, and making friends who are like minded online. I think it's a good thing. We all live in our own little worlds.
DeleteGod bless you Cheryl,
Laura
P.S. Interested in moving to Missouri?
What a wonderful evening for you and your guests! I love the unexpected company of friends. It always brightens my life at that moment. Sometimes life gets so busy, but I try to always make time for friends.
ReplyDeleteI agree. It makes life happier and burdens lighter in my mind.
DeleteBlessings,
Laura
Oh that sounds like a fun evening! I remember times like that growing up! We are now having more visitors from our church and I love that. Of course the neighbors here pop in too!
ReplyDeleteI remember growing up we would have unexpected company and I miss those days. We only get unexpected company once in awhile now.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy company, and sometimes it's more fun when it's spontaneous. Not so much fretting over what to make and what to do. It's more natural.
DeleteBe blessed,
Laura
Thanks for stopping by (RH) and I hope you are feeling better. I really enjoyed your hospitality story and what a great verse--"a friend loveth at all times" to remember when opening our doors! Many blessings to you, Laura!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your message. May God bless you and your family Mrs. Fuentes.
DeleteSincerely,
Mrs. Laura Lane
Harvest Lane Cottage